Former New Orleans mayor to have public defender

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A public defender will handle a former New Orleans mayor's appeal of his conviction on bribery and money laundering charges.

Court papers show a federal judge signed off on the request Wednesday, saying Ray Nagin's finances qualify him for the service.

According to a questionnaire filed with the court, Nagin has just $23.65 in the bank. He said he, his wife and daughter live each month off of $360 in food stamps and about $500 in gifts and donations.

Nagin said he owes $176,510 on a home in Texas and $11,570 on a 2010 Ford Fusion.

A Democrat, Nagin served two terms, from 2002-2010.

A jury in February convicted him on 20 counts, including bribery, wire fraud and money laundering. He's scheduled to begin serving a 10-year sentence Sept. 8.